speeltuin vernoemd naar ongeneeslijk zieke jade kops
Den Haag, donderdag, 23 april 2026.
In ‘s-Gravenzande is de speeltuin aan de Vuurvlinder officieel vernoemd naar Jade Kops. Het meisje van 19 is ongeneeslijk ziek. Ze vocht jaren tegen een zeldzame kanker in haar keel. Buurtbewoners startten het initiatief. Ze wilden iets betekenisvols doen. Het bordje werd geplaatst met de boodschap: ‘Blijf spelen, lachen en genieten zoals Jade dat deed!’ Familie en vrienden waren erbij. Jade bezocht de speeltuin zelf ook vaak. Ondanks alles bleef ze dankbaar en positief. Ze richtte Stichting Jade op om andere families te helpen. Ze haalde meer dan twee miljoen euro op voor het Prinses Máxima Centrum. Haar strijd inspireert veel mensen. De vernoeming is een eerbetoon aan haar veerkracht. Het toont ook de groeiende solidariteit rond palliatieve zorg voor jongeren.
community honors jade kops with dedicated playground
The playground located at Vuurvlinder in ‘s-Gravenzande has been officially renamed the Jade Playground in honor of 19-year-old Jade Kops, who battles terminal cancer [1]. The initiative emerged from local residents, particularly neighbor Karin Dijkerwaal, motivated by Jade’s resilience and community spirit [2]. The renaming ceremony took place recently, attended by Jade’s immediate family including her parents, brother, and sister [3]. The commemorative sign bears the message: ‘Keep playing, laughing, and enjoying life just as Jade did!’ [4].
personal connection fuels neighborhood tribute
Karin Dijkerwaal, whose son owns a carpentry business, played a central role in realizing the tribute by sponsoring the nameplate [2]. She recalled visiting Jade during difficult moments and feeling compelled to act before it was too late [2]. “How hard as I found it, I am glad I carried through,” Dijkerwaal said [2]. Another resident, Melvin, expressed shared empathy among neighbors, stating they deeply feel for Jade and her family [2]. An anonymous neighbor called the gesture beautiful and meaningful [2].
symbolic gestures amplify public support
Alongside the playground dedication, a fundraising campaign launched by Ruben den Hoog aims to raise at least €15,000 for a large bronze butterfly sculpture in Jade’s hometown [5]. As of Thursday evening, nearly €4,500 had already been collected [5]. The artwork intends to serve both as a personal homage to Jade and as a symbol of solidarity for others facing similar struggles [5]. The foundation she established continues supporting families affected by pediatric cancer [2].
legacy rooted in advocacy and awareness
Jade Kops has openly documented her journey with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare throat cancer diagnosed years earlier, via her Instagram account ‘My Life With Cancer’ [4]. Last December, she raised over €2 million for the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht, showcasing widespread public admiration [2]. Nearly eight weeks ago, medical professionals confirmed she entered her final life phase [4]. Despite physical limitations, she visited the newly named playground, calling it a sweet, special, and wonderful gift arranged by her neighbors and the municipality [4].